Copper to Steel

[SoCal Dave]

I'm making some ivy wrap around some iron work. I have some copper ivy leaves that I want to join to mild steel vines. Is there any way to do this other than provide a barrier between the two metals? Is there a way to weld them together?

[arftist]

Tig weld with silicon bronze, silver solder or torch weld w/silicon bronze.

[cavala]

I'd braze it, do it all the time just keep most of the heat on the steel.

[SoCal Dave]

Braze with what kind of rod?

[cavala]

Braze with what kind of rod?

Just your average flux coated bronze brazing rod. Im never to specific at the welding store I tell them 5 pounds of brazing rods and I get what they give me and Ive never had a problem.

[Sukellos]

Same for me. Brass melts easier than copper so it will work ok. I don't even use brazing rod much of the time. I just use spelter ( bits of old brass ferrules cut up) and flux with borax. A MAPP gas torch will do it on smaller work or you can do it in a forge. Clean the joints well and wire the pieces together before taking a heat.

[ThomasPowers]

Is this for an outside item that will get wet? Mixed metal often have issues with galvanic corrosion in such cases that you should be aware of. Inside usually not.

[SoCal Dave]

Yes, it is outside. It will be on the shaded side of the house, not in direct sunlight, if that matters.

[Sukellos]

Coat with a good clear polymer finish. That will keep the joints dry and the metals from rust and/or corrosion. Or for a more traditional finish, bees wax.